Delhi Sultanate Research Articles

Theory of Origin, Administration and Decline of the Great Vijayanagar Kingdom in South Asia

The Vijayanagar Empire is one of the most prominent and well-known empires of South Asia. The empire had arisen in the times of the Delhi Sultanate and sustained for more than a period of three Centuries. It saw four dynasties and its share wars and conflicts with neighboring Muslim forces. Vijayanagar Empire also had an admirable administration system, in the sense that it is counted as highly centralized, just and elaborate. This research paper seeks to examine the administrative and political structure of the Vijayanagar Empire and various nuances related to the same. In this research explores various facets of Vijayanagar’s grand history by critically examining various historical interpretations, including nationalist, colonial, and postcolonial perspectives. The approach seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the complex factors that influenced its ascent and subsequent decline. It seeks to examine the view foreign travelers like Ibn Batuta, Fernao Nuniz and Dominigos Paes and accounts of prominent historians Ferishta that lived during the time of Vijayanagar like to the modern Scholars like Robert Sewell and Nilakanta Sastri in order to present comprehensive historiographical understanding on the Vijaynagar empire. The Vijayanagara Empire’s profound and enduring impact on the historical and cultural milieu of South India has left an indelible imprint across various domains, including art, architecture, literature, and societal practices. Through a meticulous examination of the ascendance and decline of this ancient civilization, one can glean invaluable insights into the intricate processes underpinning the formation and disintegration of polities in premodern South Asian contexts This research paper uses a variety of sources to shed light on the administrative and political conditions of the Vijayanagar Empire. It also sheds light on the changes in State Structure across the four dynasties, the impact of the administrative system on Justice, the impact of religion on State Politics and finally, the political factors that ultimately led to the end of the Greatest South Indian Empire in the Country.

Kyai Abd. Rachman Bin Sopa Hamid: Jejak Keluarga Kesultanan Palembang Darussalam Di Tulung Selapan Ogan Komering Ilir

This research is the result of historical research with the title " Kyai Abd. Rachman Bin Sopa Hamid: Palembang Darussalam Sultanate Family in Tulung Selapan Ogan Komering ". This research was conducted to determine the journey and role of Kyai Abd. Rachman Bin Sopa Hamid in Tulung Selapan through the historical evidence left behind. In this research, Levinson's Role Theory is used. Through this theory, the traces, role and position of Kyai Abd can be analyzed. Rachman Bin Sopa Hamid in the Tulung Selapan village community, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency during the Palembang Darussalam Sultanate era until its current influence on the local community. Apart from that, the research method used is descriptive qualitative. From the results of his research, it is known that the fall of the Palembang sultanate into Dutch hands was marked by the capture of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II and his family who were then exiled to Ternate (North Maluku). At the same time, several imperial families and other Mujahid figures also fled to other areas, including Kyai Abdurachman bin Sopa Hamid, who at the time also fled to the Ogan Komering Ilir area, precisely in Tulung Selapan, until he died. The whereabouts of Kyai Abd. Rachman Bin Sopa Hamid in Tulung Selapan is marked by the presence of several relics in the form of a collection of swords and tenongs as well as the existence of Kyai Abd's food. Rachman Bin Sopa Hamid. During his escape in Tulung Selapan, Kyai Abdurachman bin Sopa Hamid then preached and broadcast the Islamic religion through education to the local community so that he was also known as a cleric and played a major role in politics such as leading the local community in facing the Dutch colonialists who came to Tulung Selapan to this day

The Growth and Development of Medicine in Medieval India: The Age of the Delhi Sultans

The Growth and Development of Medicine in Medieval India: The Age of the Delhi Sultans

Indo-Persian Identities in Medieval Muslim Deccan

Between the 14th and 17th centuries, the Deccan Plateau region saw the emergence of Muslim sultanates (Bahmani, Ahmednagar, Bidar, Golconda, Bijapur, Berar, Bijapur) whose political, religious, intellectual, and artistic elites are deeply imbued with the Persian language and culture. They thus continue a long tradition of the dynasties that appeared in the east of the Muslim world, since the 9th century (Samanids, Ghaznavids, Ghurids, Khwarazmshahs, Ilkhanids, Timurids), as well as the Muslim political power ruling northern India, between the 13th and the 16th centuries (Delhi Sultanate). In all of this, regardless of the origin of the political-military elites who were in power (Turks, Afghans, Caucasians, Iranians, Indians converted to Islam), Persian becomes both the political-administrative language and the language of culture. Our study aims to provide an insight into the ways in which this Persian reference was disseminated, developed, assumed in the Bahmani Sultanate, and then in the other five sultanates that emerged after its dissolution (1527). For over three centuries, the dynasties in power patronized a very rich cultural life, where traditional Persian elements, brought here by scholars, religious people, Sufis, poets, artists coming from the Middle East and Central Asia, were shaped and adapted to the realities of the Indian environment. These symbioses were especially visible in art (primarily in miniatures) and in the development of new artistic expressions within what is called Indo-Islamic architecture.

Writing the past, writing the present: Abd al-Qadir Badauni’s narrative of the history of the Delhi Sultanate

This article examines the historiographical practices of Abd al-Qadir Badauni, a sixteenth-century historian and intellectual who served in Akbar’s court. Badauni’s secret Persian chronicle, Muntaḵẖab al-tawārīḵẖ, compiled in three volumes in 1595–96, is regarded as one of the most important sources on the history of Akbar’s reign. The present article, however, is concerned with only the first volume, which narrates the history of the Delhi Sultanate. Unfortunately, the first volume did not receive much attention from scholars, because it was assumed to be offering no significant historical value as it was entirely based on the T̤abaqāt-i Akbarī of Niz̤ām al-Dīn Aḥmad and the Ta’rīḵẖ-i Mubārakshāhī of Yaḥyā Aḥmad Sirhindī. Scholars ignored the fact that Badauni also claimed to have ‘added something of his own’ to his narrative. This article analyses the ways in which Badauni narrated a history of the pre-Mughal past and what it can tell us about his historiographical practices as well as his views on kingship. A closer scrutiny of his narrative of the Delhi Sultanate along with his representation of Humāyūn, in comparison with that of his sources, suggests that his re-telling of the story was guided by his belief in a medieval Perso-Islamic theory of kingship that upheld the separation of power between the rulers as temporal sovereigns and the ‘ulamā as custodians of religion.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OF THE SULTANATE OF DELHI IN THE 13TH – 15TH CENTURIES (historical and legal review)

The article describes the system of public administration of the Sultanate of Delhi. Strong influence of Turkic tribal groups’ tradition on the political, legal and managerial culture of the Sultanate is noted. We consider the state of Delhi to be a theocratic monarchy, where the sultans’ power extended to all spheres of society. An important role in the administration was played by the Vizier and his department responsible for various aspects of state and political life. The article notes the important role of the departmental system among which, the central place was occupied by the departments of the army, Chancery, foreign relations and justice. The article highlights the place and role of the sultan’s court and the legislative body under the ruler in the official apparatus. It is indicated that the main element of administrative management included the iqta – lands transferred for service to certain persons. It is concluded that the public administration system organised by the Turkic peoples, despite a number of problems, had once been generally stable and helped integrate the northern Indian territories into the Muslim socio-cultural space.

Nobility of Delhi Sultanate and their Literary Pursuits: A Case study of Minhaj al Din Siraj Juzjani

Nobility of Delhi Sultanate and their Literary Pursuits: A Case study of Minhaj al Din Siraj Juzjani

The history of the spread of islam in india and its relationship with islam in the archipelago: a critical review

This study describes the history of the spread of Islam in India and its relationship with the Archipelago. This study uses historical methods and a sociological approach. This research is a library research with a research focus, namely how is the history of the arrival of Islam in the Indian region? and How is the relationship between Indian Islam and Nusantara Islam? The results of this research are that the early history of the entry of Indian Islam is divided into two, namely formal and non-formal. The formal spread of Islam, namely the spread during the time of the Prophet, at that time many Jat (Indian) tribes lived in Arabia and some became physicians who healed the illness of Aisha, the wife of the Prophet, who was eventually appointed as his khadimah. The spread in the Rashidun khulafaur era at the time of Umar bin Khatab who carried out the expansion which was then continued by the next government until the Umayyads and the dynasties after it such as the Ghazni dynasty, Ghuri, the Delhi sultanate, the Khalji dynasty, Tughlaq, Sayyid, and finally the Mughal dynasty. non-formal, namely by trade, figures of Alim Ulama and marriage. Meanwhile, the relationship between India and the Archipelago occurred because of trade routes which later led to the entry of Islam. The strongest theory of Islamization in the archipelago was carried out by traders from Gujarat. This theory is believed from the many historical evidences, one of which is the legacy of Malik al Saleh who came from Bangala

Advent of Sufism in Khuldabad

Khuldabad is a town in the present-day Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. The present paper deals with the inception of Sufism in Khuldabad, which dates back to the time of the Delhi Sultanate, circa 14th CE. Beginning with a brief introduction to the idea of Sufism, the present paper delves into constructing a detailed history of the inception of Sufism at Khuldabad, highlighting which prominent Sufi orders were active there, which ones gained greater control, and which ones vanished into obscurity.

Tabulation and Landscape Characters of Lenggong Valley’s Malay Traditional Houses

Lenggong Valley is famously known as an archaeological site due to UNESCO's World Heritage Site verification. Following this, the aspiration towards Global Geopark recognition comprising Lenggong's distinctive cultural heritage was initiated. Malay traditional house is one of the attributes of cultural heritage. It presents a character that symbolises uniqueness reflected in the states where they were built and the relation between historical events. This study aims to explore the distribution tabulation and landscape characters of Malay traditional houses in Lenggong Valley, Perak, Malaysia. The methodology includes site observation and evaluation, with the spatial location of the houses recorded using GPS. The collected samples of hundred eight (108)traditional houses were analysed using Kernel Density Analysis. Results showed that the tabulation of Lenggong traditional houses is concentrated approximately to caves and the Perak River concurrence with the historical evidence of Paleolithic human settlementand the Malay sultanate era. Two (2) significant types of traditional houses found are Rumah Limas Bumbung Perak (RLBP) with 79% and Rumah Kutai (RK) with 14%. Most of the houses are still preserved with vernacular architecture and semi-vernacular which points to their significant identity. The landscape of the traditional houses also points to the unique characters supported by the geographical setting of Lenggong as a valley. These findings support the aspiration of a Geo-Park in Lenggong in the context of the cultural heritage landscape and provide substantial information to authorities regarding conservation and preservation of Lenggong as a heritage cultural site in a broader sense. Future study is encouraged to provide a detailed assessment of the houses' condition towards heritage preservation and conservation efforts.

The Political Situation of Badaun during the Mamluk Era (602-689 AH / 1206-1290 AD)

Objectives: This study aims to shed light on the political situation of the city of Badaun: the extent of its connection with the capital Delhi, the number of rulers who governed it during the Mamluk era (602-689 AH/1206-1290 AD), and its most prominent governors, especially those who later became sultans.
 Methods: Relying on Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and English sources and references, the study adopts the historical approach. It is divided into three sections. The first provides background information on the location of Badaun, while the second focuses on the Islamic conquest of Badaun during the Ghurid era (543-612 AH/1148-1215 AD). The third section tackles the political situation of Badaun during the Mamluk era (602-689 AH/1206-1290 AD).
 Results: Due to its significance, the city was strongly connected with the capital Delhi. Badaun was ruled by no less than fourteen governors, the first of whom is Qutbuddin Aibak and the last King Baqbak Sargandar. Not only were its rulers considered among the most important governors of India, they were so respected and valued by the sultans of Delhi that some of them became sultans.
 Conclusions: Badaun was considered one of the most important fiefdoms, allocated to powerful rulers in the first half of the seventh century AH / thirteenth century AD. Its most prominent governors include Qutbuddin Aibak (the founder of the Mamluk Sultanate), Shams al-Din al-Tamash, Rukn al-Din Firuz Shah, and Ghiyath al-Din Balban, all of whom who assumed the throne of the Sultanate of Delhi.

A Study of The Paradigm Shift in The Land Ownership and The Provision of Land Grants in Ancient India

The present research paper deals with the concept and the dynamics of land ownership and the provisions of land grants in Ancient India. The theoretical concept of the ownership of the land and the land grant underwent tremendous changes and transformation in this period. The private ownership of land with rights of alienation in Ancient India secured through land grants was mainly religious in nature and were enjoyed by the priestly class. In course of time the private ownership of the land became an important constituent of the social structure. However, this was not applicable for all the landholding classes. The other sort of assignees was under the strict control of the rulers. Their land was liable to be confiscated and transferred. In the later Gupta age land and the proprietary rights in the land grew in importance and was at the helm of all social, cultural, religious, economic and political activities till the establishment of Delhi Sultanate. The land grants were given to officers and religious groups and establishments in exchange of services rendered to the state which are indicatives of economic crisis in the period on the one hand and on the other denotes that land in this period was a medium of social mobilization and social position. The society became more stratified and complicated. The primary and the secondary sources used in this paper are immense and varied in volume and content. Epigraphs, inscriptions, coins, cowries, texts all have been used to prepare a monograph to shed light on this important aspect which in many ways shaped the social, political, religious and economic history of the country.

Learning about the Historical Building in Malacca Malay Sultanate Era Using Augmented Reality

Travel to Melaka application used to learn about the historical building in Malacca Malay Sultanate Era by using Augmented Reality (AR) technology. Learn about the historical building is very important. However, there are some students who are bored and not interested in learning History subject. The purpose of this application is to develop an educational application based on Augmented Reality for students to interest them in learning about the historical building. The design of this application is developed using multimedia elements which may interest the students to use this application. This application development was developed using the ADDIE Model. In addition, this research was evaluated by among 35 students from Sultan Idris Education University who pursuing a Bachelor of Education (History) with Honors by using quantitative methods through online questionnaire. As a result of the questionnaire, majority of respondents gave positive feedback and interested with Travel to Melaka application. In conclusion, learning about historical building in Malacca Malay Sultanate Era using Augmented Reality provides better knowledge and understanding.

Historical Convergences and Region Making in Sultanate Gujarat

This article reflects upon the role of intra-, inter-, and trans-regional networks in the making of distinctive regional formations in the long fifteenth century. Through its focus on Gujarat, a region often seen as lying at the intersection of both maritime and overland trade routes, the article highlights the historical conjunctures that gave expressions to a distinctive regional identity in the fifteenth century. Using court-chronicles and texts produced by Sufi disciples and descendants in Gujarat, the article argues that by employing “convergence” as a conceptual tool, it becomes possible to explain how the processes of movement and circulation of people, goods, and ideas that had defined much of the Indian subcontinent resulted in creating distinct regional formations. Such distinctiveness was marked overtime through state-making, the use of specific vernaculars, the success of specific spiritual fraternities and other forms of cultural production. Locating historical convergences further allows us to break away from a linear understanding of the emergence of regional formations in the wake of the disintegration of the Delhi Sultanate, to instead focus on the simultaneity and continuity of larger political and socio-cultural processes.

THE ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND CHALLENGES OF MOHAMMAD BIN TUGHLUQ

Mohammad Bin Tughluq's reign in the 14th century Delhi Sultanate was marked by significant historical context and political challenges. Faced with economic issues, regional rebellions, and external pressures, Tughluq implemented ambitious administrative policies aimed at centralizing power and extending the Sultanate's authority. However, these policies often led to unintended consequences and widespread discontent. The introduction of token currency and the capital's relocation to Daulatabad caused economic turmoil and social upheaval, eroding public trust and stability. Additionally, Tughluq's administrative reforms faced challenges of corruption, mismanagement, and resistance, hindering effective governance. The consequences of his policies resulted in economic instability, displacement of populations, exploitation of farmers, and a decline in regional autonomy. Tughluq's reign serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the intricate interplay between historical context, political ambitions, and decision-making consequences. It influenced subsequent rulers' strategies and shaped the historical development of the Delhi Sultanate, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of socio-economic implications and balancing central authority with regional cooperation for effective governance.

THE MILITARY REFORMS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF ALAUDDIN KHILJI

Alauddin Khilji, the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate in medieval India, faced numerous military challenges during his reign. These challenges included defending against Mongol invasions, suppressing internal rebellions, expanding the boundaries of the Sultanate, and overcoming logistical obstacles. To address these challenges, Khilji implemented significant military reforms, such as establishing a standing army, implementing strict disciplinary measures, introducing the branding system for horses, and constructing strategic forts. These reforms played a crucial role in consolidating his power, expanding the Sultanate's territory, ensuring the effectiveness of the armed forces, and strengthening the stability of the Delhi Sultanate. Khilji's military strategies and decisions, including his aggressive expansionist policy and emphasis on defense, intelligence gathering, and resource utilization, contributed to his military successes and reshaped the socio-political dynamics of the Sultanate.

History of the Delhi Sultanate: Its Establishment, Influence, and Fall

The Delhi Sultanate is a historical region representing Muslim rule between the 13th and 16th centuries. This sultanate was located in the territory of South Asia and became important due to the reasons of its establishment, influence and decline. The reason for its establishment and expansion was the invasion of Islamic sultans in northern India, who came here to propagate their power and religion. The Delhi Sultanate was established in 1206 AD by an invader named Muhammad Ghori. After him, his descendants established various sultanates to maintain their power. The most prominent of these sultanates were the Balban, Khilji and Tughlaq dynasties. These sultanates became centers of propagation of Islamic culture, trade and governance practices in northern India. Apart from this, these sultanates also made significant contributions in the fields of art, literature and science during their reign. These sultanates also brought significant changes in organization and administrative practices, which later laid the foundation of the Mughal Empire. The first major aspect of Delhi Sultanate's influence was religious. Before its arrival, India has been a land of diversities and diversities, in which Hinduism and Jainism were particularly important. With the advent of the Islamic Sultanate, the propagation and spread of Islam began with the destruction of shrines and the construction of temples. The Sultanate rulers saw themselves as promoters of religion and culture, and they introduced new laws and regulations to give priority to religious cities. The decline of the Delhi Sultanate also happened due to various reasons. One of the main reasons was conflict and strategic conflict. The Sultanate was impermanent due to the struggle for power between Dal and his descendants. Also, the invasion of Mongol armies threatened the security of the Delhi Sultanate. Various Mongol invasions led to the dissolution of the Sultanate and the rise of the Mughal Empire. The Delhi Sultanate spread Islamic culture and religion in northern India, as well as bringing about changes in art, literature and administrative practices. The main reason for its decline was internal conflict and Mongol invasion. The history of the Delhi Sultanate is an important chapter in Indian history and laid the foundation for an imperial tradition in northern India that was crucial to the advent and expansion of the Mughal Empire.
 Abstract in Hindi Language:
 दिल्ली सल्तनत, 13वीं और 16वीं सदी के बीच मुस्लिम शासनकाल को दर्शाने वाला एक ऐतिहासिक क्षेत्र है। यह सल्तानत दक्षिण एशिया के भूभाग में स्थित थी और अपनी स्थापना, प्रभाव और पतन के कारणों से महत्वपूर्ण हो गई। इसकी स्थापना और विस्तार का कारण उत्तरी भारत में इस्लामिक सुल्तानों के आक्रमण थे, जो अपनी सत्ता और धर्म के प्रचार के लिए यहां आए थे। दिल्ली सल्तनत की स्थापना 1206 ईस्वी में मुहम्मद गोरी नामक आक्रमणकारी द्वारा हुई। उनके बाद उनके वंशज ने अपनी सत्ता को बनाए रखने के लिए विभिन्न सल्तानतें स्थापित कीं। इन सल्तानतों में सबसे प्रमुख थीं बलबन, खिलजी और तुगलक वंश। ये सल्तानतें उत्तरी भारत में इस्लामी संस्कृति, व्यापार और शासन प्रथाओं के प्रचार का केंद्र बन गईं। इसके अलावा, ये सल्तानतें अपने शासनकाल में कला, साहित्य और विज्ञान के क्षेत्र में महत्वपूर्ण योगदान भी कर गईं। ये सल्तानतें संगठन और प्रशासनिक प्रथाओं में भी महत्वपूर्ण परिवर्तन लाईं, जिसने आगे चलकर मुगल साम्राज्य की नींव रखी। दिल्ली सल्तनत के प्रभाव का पहला बड़ा पक्ष धर्मिक था। इसके आगमन से पहले भारत विविधताओं और अनेकताओं का भूमि रहा है, जिसमें हिंदू और जैन धर्म विशेष महत्वपूर्ण थे। इस्लामी सल्तानत के आगमन के साथ, धार्मिक स्थलों के नष्ट होने और मंदिरों के निर्माण के साथ ही इस्लाम धर्म का प्रचार और प्रसार शुरू हुआ। सल्तानती शासकों ने अपने आपको धार्म और संस्कृति के प्रचारक बताया और वे धर्मिक नगरों को प्राथमिकता देने के लिए नए कानून और नियम लागू किए। दिल्ली सल्तनत का पतन भी विभिन्न कारणों के कारण हुआ। एक मुख्य कारण था संघर्ष और सामरिक द्वंद्व। दल और उसके वंशजों के बीच सत्ता के लिए संघर्ष के कारण सल्तानत में अस्थायीता थी। साथ ही, मंगोल सेनाओं के आक्रमण ने दिल्ली सल्तनत की सुरक्षा को खतरे में डाल दिया। विभिन्न मंगोल आक्रमणों ने सल्तानत के पश्चात सत्ता को भंग किया और मुगल साम्राज्य की उत्पत्ति हुई। दिल्ली सल्तनत ने उत्तरी भारत में इस्लामिक संस्कृति और धर्म को प्रचारित किया, साथ ही कला, साहित्य और प्रशासनिक प्रथाओं में भी परिवर्तन लाए। इसके पतन का मुख्य कारण आंतरिक संघर्ष और मंगोल आक्रमण था। दिल्ली सल्तानत का इतिहास भारतीय इतिहास का महत्वपूर्ण अध्याय है और इसने उत्तरी भारत की साम्राज्यवादी परंपरा की नींव रखी, जो मुगल साम्राज्य के आगमन और विस्तार के लिए महत्वपूर्ण थी।
 Keywords: मुस्लिम शासनकाल, आक्रमण, आक्रमणकारी, संघर्ष और सामरिक, प्रशासनिक, और साम्राज्यवादी

EXPLORING SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF KASHMIR UNDER THE CHAK SULTANATE ERA

This research paper aims to explore the social structure of Kashmir during the Chak Sultanate era, which lasted from the 15th to the 16th century. Using primary sources, including historical accounts and inscriptions, this study provides an in-depth analysis of the social hierarchy, class system, and religious and ethnic diversity of the region during this period. The paper highlights the significant influence of Islam on the social fabric of Kashmir, as well as the role of the ruling elite in shaping the political and social landscape of the region. The research reveals that while the Chak Sultanate era was marked by a high degree of social stratification and inequality, it was also a period of cultural and intellectual flourishing, as evidenced by the development of art, literature, and architecture. Overall, this research sheds light on a crucial but understudied period in the history of Kashmir, offering insights into the social and cultural dynamics that continue to shape the region to this day.

MILITARY REFORMS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF ALAUDDIN KHILJI

Alauddin Khilji, the sovereign of the Delhi Sultanate during the medieval period in India, was confronted with a plethora of martial challenges throughout his rule. Among these challenges were the defence against Mongol incursions, the quelling of internal insurrections, the enlargement of the territorial boundaries of the Sultanate, and the surmounting of various logistical hindrances. In response to these exigencies, Khilji undertook considerable military reforms. These included the formation of a standing army, the enactment of rigorous disciplinary protocols, the initiation of the branding system for horses, and the erection of strategically positioned fortifications. These alterations were instrumental in fortifying his authority, augmenting the territorial expanse of the Sultanate, enhancing the efficacy of the military forces, and reinforcing the stability of the Delhi Sultanate. The military tactics and decisions of Khilji, encompassing his assertive expansionist approach and focus on defence, intelligence acquisition, and utilisation of resources, facilitated his martial triumphs and induced a transformative effect on the socio-political fabric of the Sultanate.

India's epidemics in theRiḥlaof Ibn Baṭṭūṭa: plague, cholera or lexical muddle?

AbstractThe famous Moroccan traveller Muḥammad b. Baṭṭūṭa, who left Tangier in 1325, claims to have made a journey that took him across most of the then Islamicate world. The country in which he recounts having stayed the longest was India, where he says he remained from 1333 to 1341/1342, mostly in the Islamic Sultanate of Delhi. A long section of hisRiḥlais dedicated to the sub-continent and modern historians of this region ascribe to it an important documentary value, although it has been argued that Ibn Baṭṭūṭa may have borrowed – not to imply copied – information from other sources in other parts of the work. As concerns India, Ibn Baṭṭūṭa speaks of two epidemics and one deadly disease that occurred in 1334–5 and 1344. Some scholars have referred to them as cholera, while others have suggested it was the plague – thus supporting the hypothesis that the medieval plague pandemic had struck India before reaching the Middle East. How did this confusion arise? What exactly does Ibn Baṭṭūṭa'sRiḥlarelate? Do Indo-Persian sources confirm these epidemics? Do they and/or Ibn Baṭṭūṭa'sRiḥlaallow us to discount the presence of the Medieval Plague in India, or rather do they assert it?In order to answer these questions, this paper analyses the information on the Indian epidemics in Ibn Baṭṭūṭa'sRiḥlaand compares the text with its translations in the principal European languages and with Indo-Persian chronicles. These analyses reveal something of a lexical muddle which, in my opinion, has contributed to some errors and misunderstandings regarding the diseases in question. But another question arises: is it possible to read the information provided by Ibn Baṭṭūṭa and the Indian chronicles in a consilient way, that is, taking into account not only the analysis of written documents, but also the recent and current findings in genetics of plague, and in particular on the Black Death? Finally, an attempt is made to answer a question that has to be asked, particularly in light of the criticism often levelled at Ibn Baṭṭūṭa. Considering that in one of these events he claims to have witnessed the epidemic, is there any reason to suppose that he did not? Regarding the other two events that he did not claim to witness firsthand, is there any cause to doubt his claims?